Wakefield's Military Heritage

by Dawson, Paul L.

• ISBN13: 9781398121270
• ISBN10: 1398121274
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2025-08-19
• Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Summary

Following the Norman conquest, the manor of Wakefield became a Norman stronghold, with castles being built at Sandal and Wakefield by the Warenne family, Earls of Surrey. A crucial battle was fought at Wakefield in the Wars of the Roses in 1460, resulting in the death of Richard, Duke of York. Another battle was fought over Wakefield in the Civil War, when Parliamentarian troops besieged and destroyed Sandal Castle and captured the prosperous port and market town from Royalist defenders. Later centuries saw troops levied in Wakefield to fight Bonnie Prince Charlie and volunteers raised to fight Napoleon. These volunteers served throughout Britain’s foreign conflicts in the 19th century, and during the two World Wars in the twentieth century. The home front in Wakefield during these conflicts also experienced the wars, and the sites of underground bomb shelters from the Second World War still exist. This book will be of interest to all those who would like to know more about Wakefield’s remarkable military history.

Author Biography

Paul L. Dawson is a historian and horseman, and holds a degree of Master of Arts by research in History from the University of Leeds. He has written over 20 books ranging from equine nutrition, training of the war horse in the regency era, as well as on local history subjects concerning the city of his birth, Wakefield West Yorkshire. He is a Unitarian, and holds the post of Director of Music at Westgate Chapel, where he also is a service leader.